Supporters of a controversial dam in one of Asia's poorest countries say it will bring huge economic benefits. Critics say it could threaten fisheries and rice cultivation, threatening the livelihoods of millions.

The Nam Theun 2 dam has gotten high marks for how its social and environmental impact was managed. The story of the Xayaburi dam, however, appears to be following a different course – one that critics say could accelerate the deterioration of one of the world’s most productive rivers.

The Nam Theun 2 dam has gotten high marks for how its social and environmental impact was managed. The story of the Xayaburi dam, however, appears to be following a different course – one that critics say could accelerate the deterioration of one of the world’s most productive rivers.

Laos is among the poorest and least developed countries in Asia, and its communist government contends that hydropower, along with revenues generated from exporting it, can underwrite much of the country's progress. However, environmentalists warn that Laos' nine proposed mainstream dams could be environmentally devastating.

If the Swiss family Robinson were beamed down to northern Laos, they might have come up with something like the Gibbon Experience. Guests live and sleep high in the jungle canopy, and spend the days searching for the elusive black crested gibbon.